FUT Freeze Gnabry

The FUT Freeze SBCs keep piling up and I keep making decisions I will regret in two months when the players are no longer even a consideration.  However, the reward is the opportunity to shine some light on these options with reviews, in hopes that you can make educated decisions on who to complete.  In this case, we take a look at the man once loaned out to West Brom after being deemed not good enough for Arsenal, Serge Gnabry… even typing that feels like it must have occurred in an alternate dimension.  I wonder if he regrets leaving?  But I digress.  I should start off by saying that this CAM FUT Freeze Gnabry is more along the lines of what I would have expected for the gold Gnabry when the game began.  The Pace specifically on the 85 Gnabry sold the German miles short of what he is capable of and it was nice to see this card more in line with what he can produce.  Speaking of production, I should start off by saying that I started this review with Gnabry as the right ST in my 4-4-2 formation… thinking that the CAM related boosts would make him the perfect partner for Freeze Mane, who I was able to bring in this weekend (he is insane by the way, no review coming, just take my word it).   However, after about 5 matches it was clear that Gnabry is still best suited as a wide man and I moved the Bayern speedster out to the right flank for the remainder of the review.  Definitely a decision I would make again if I had my time back, this card is definitely a better winger than anything.  Gnabry was the wide workhorse all weekend in the following squad:


Starting Formation:

Overall

Rating: 8.5/10
Pace Rating: 9/10
Dribbling Rating: 9/10
Shooting Rating: 8/10
Passing Rating: 9/10
Physical Rating: 7/10
Defending Rating: N/A

Like I said earlier, Gnabry got off to a slow start this review… both in-game and literally feeling sluggish.  The gameplay was not helping anything of course, but it felt more like the Dribbling was really holding Gnabry back at the start.  I originally went straight for the HUNTER chemistry style but was underwhelmed with the results… until I changed things up and went in the direction of an ENGINE application.  What. A. Difference.  The boost to 95 AGILITY & 99 BALANCE was exactly what this card needed to inject a bit of quickness, while still maintaining the speed from 99 ACCELERATION & 88 SPRINT SPEED.  Everything seemed to tick from this point on and Gnabry really started to contribute to my Weekend League success from then on. 
      

Main Statistic - Passing

Weak Foot: * * * *

I put the 4 STAR WEAK FOOT here as it didn’t matter which flank Gnabry was patrolling, regardless of which foot, he can really whip a ball to the right areas to cause opponents issues.  The ENGINE chemistry style really bolstered the statistics required for proper wing play and Gnabry certainly benefited in the passing department; 96 SHORT PASSING does the job when you are able to beat opponents down the wing and trying to pick out the strikers arriving late into the box; 93 LONG PASSING & 94 CROSSING mean that regardless of where he is on the pitch, Gnabry can spot and pick out passes to switch play or create chances.  Honestly, I was a little shocked that Gnabry only managed 6 assists in 20 matches… with a grand total of 10 in the 30 matches of WL.  It truly felt like he was involved in so much more and really offers creative potential from wide midfield positions.
 

Main Attribute - Size

Height: 175cm | 5’9
Dribbling Rating: 9/10

While I already mentioned the benefits Gnabry experienced after applying the ENGINE chemistry style.  There was more to it than just the BALANCE and AGILITY boosts.  The 99 DRIBBLING mixed with the smaller player archetype is a nice combination and allowed for some responsive dribbling even in difficult gameplay conditions.  If you watch the video a lot of Gnabry’s success came with his back to goal, followed by a tight turn & quick acceleration.  Similarly, on the wings, it was amazing having a player who could turn away from my opponent's press when receiving the ball at feet out on the flanks. 

Value/Coins & Good vs. Bad 

Value/Coins Rating: 4/5
Good vs Bad Rating: 4/5

240k. Relatively speaking, this is not actually an unfair price.  The problem comes with the available alternatives.  Like I have said, for me, Gnabry is a wide option and should be played as a RW/RM or LW/LM in-game.  The issue comes when you start looking at options in the 200 - 300k price range and start seeing the likes of Sadio Mane, IF Saint-Maximin, Salah, IF Son & TIF Lozano.  All of which can do a similar job as Gnabry… have many of the same statistics when comparing… and you can get your coins back when they start to underperform at the end of the day.  Tough competition and really starts making you question if it is worth the fodder that you could be saving for future options.  However, I repeat… in terms of price I do think that he is a fair value, the problem again is that it will be a value you can never get back.   

One of the main reasons Gnabry was moved out onto the wing was for the fact that his 85 FINISHING does not warrant a more central position.  I realize there will be comments “why didn’t you use a chemistry style to boost his finishing then?” Again I will reiterate that I tried that avenue, and while the finishing was okay… everything else was not, and certainly warranted the change.  But like I have said, while the ENGINE chemistry style sorted out the Pace and Dribbling, it obviously did nothing for the Shooting.  90 SHOT POWER, 86 LONG SHOTS & 85 FINISHING look okay on the surface and they can definitely do a job.  The 21 goals that I did manage with Gnabry are proof of that.  However, it was the chances missed that really started to add up by the end of the review and could not be overlooked in the end.   
 

Closing Words

This is one of those cards that if you are completing it immediately, then you are going to get some good results for a limited time.  I realize that I am heading for one of those closing words that I get some negative feedback on as they appear convoluted.  However, the problem is that Gnabry performed quite well this weekend, hence the 8.5/10.  Honestly, if he had some better Physical statistics, especially his 84 STAMINA on the wing… I would have gone for a 9/10.  The issue with “selling” people on Gnabry is always going to be the new and improved cards on the way, mixed with the current comparisons that I highlighted earlier. This is why I am going to ultimately suggest you skip on this card and save your fodder… unless you are a Bayern, German, or Gnabry fan himself, in which case you have probably already completed the SBC.  Otherwise, I would not be making any massive squad changes to be fitting him in … he is good, but not that good.  I hope that you are all staying safe and healthy.  Happy Holidays.  Cheers for reading.  
 

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